Kia has confirmed that its new European concept, to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show on 10 September, will be called the Kia Niro.
Whether that has anything to do with Robert de, only time will tell, although the fact that designer Gregory Guillaume hinted at a 'dramatic' shape points to a possible tie-up (don't quote us on that).
But seriously, Guillaume says the Niro - which was created at Kia's Frankfurt design studio, less than a kilometre from the show venue - hints at a possible future B-segment city car, and that the concept will also preview an innovative new powertrain.
Its chunky, short-coupled styling is intended to convey a cheeky persona, constructed from a mix of robust and substantial materials, including stainless-steel trim elements, in very tight dimensions.
EUROCENTRIC STYLING
The Niro has been styled in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind; Guillaume says he is determined to find new compact-car options for demanding European drivers for whom size is an issue - and if you have ever driven in the Old Quarter of any historic European city you'll know that size definitely is an issue.
Even those upward and inward-hinging doors are designed to get out of the occupants' way in cramped car parks, rather than to look sexy a la Lambo; the reactions of visitors to the Kia stand at Frankfurt will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.